After a dismal season which saw the Miami Heat fail to reach the NBA playoffs, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra may be in for a rough offseason as they try to rebuild the franchise.
Given that they have a lot of players holding high-salaried contract, recruiting big name players may not necessarily be feasible for now. And with new rumors hinting that long-time star Dwyane Wade may opt to test free-agency, the situation has definitely gone from bad to worse.
Wade has spent his entire career as a Heat. The 2003 fifth overall pick signed a two-year deal last year worth $33 million with the hopes that the team would be able to gain some flexibility in recruiting new talent in the midst of Lebron James sudden departure.
Seeing that the move didn't pan out and met expectations, it looks like the 33 year old NBA star will adopt a different approach this Summer as he tests free agency and listen to what other teams may have to offer.
Wade has spent all of his 12 years in Miami and despite the rumored move, word has it that he prefers to stay in South Beach. If Wade opts in, he will be guaranteed $16 million next season.
Wade who could be in the prime of his career as well, may be looking for a long-term deal and security. The Heat are reportedly not amenable to giving Wade such, citing financial constraints as a possible reason.
Testing the free agent market does not of course mean that Wade is no longer coming back. It is a matter of listening and weighing his options. There is still a chance that Heat could be back in Miami but it would all depend.
According to a report by the Miami Herald, Wade's agent (Henry Thomas) said that they will continue to talk with the Heat. Considering the tenure and success Wade has brought to the franchise (five championships and three NBA titles), Thomas says that they will work on a resolution that will render a win-win situation.
